This was a long weekend of competition for the Viking wrestling team. Saturday was spent competing in the Private College Championships held at the Milwaukee School of Engineering. Three wrestlers placed in the top four of their weight class. The 165-pound John Budi took second place, losing an 11-6 decision to Bobby Gingerich of North Central College in Naperville, Ill. David Quinlan took third place at 125 pounds. Ben Dictus took fourth place at 184 pounds, losing to Ryan Aldrich of North Central 7-4. Aldrich is ranked No. 8 in the nation in the newest polls. The team took sixth place out of nine, its lowest finish at this tournament in several years.
On Sunday the team traveled to University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire for its third conference dual of the season. After eight matches Lawrence led the Blugolds 23-13, following wins by Ryan Dummann, Budi, and Dictus. Unfortunately, the Vikings failed to hold on for their first conference win of the season. They lost the last two matches of the dual by fall, for a final score of Blugolds 25, Vikings 23.
The team’s next competition is this Friday evening when they head down to UW-Whitewater in search of a conference victory. The Vikings then host UW-Stevens Point on Tuesday, Feb.1, at Alexander Gym. The Pointers are currently ranked No. 12 in the nation.
Vikes Place Three at Private Colleges, Lose to Eau Claire -jcr -dlh
